Woodward takes over from Richard Leong, who has spent the past year concentrating on senior client consulting, with a specific focus on technology businesses, such as Acer's spin-off company BenQ.
The new arrangement, which is effective immediately, means that Leong will now be freed up to further his specialist role.
Woodward's new role results in the addition of three major markets to his remit - India, South Korea and Australia.
Burnett regional managing director, Richard Pinder, said that Woodward's main task would be to drive the development of strategic planning tools in all key regional markets.
He added that there would be a greater focus on the future growth markets of Korea and India.
"John has made progress in China and we are looking to him to replicate that across the entire region now, Pinder said.
